Madurai a heritage city
Madurai, the city with a cultural heritage which dates back to 2,500 years, is located on the banks of the Vaigai river in Tamil Nadu state of southern India. Madurai is one of the oldest cities in India and is 444 km from Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu state.
History:
The city derived its name from the word “Madhurapuri” (means “nectar showered upon the city as blessings of Lord Shiva). Its history is significant and dates back to a period of pre-Christian era, called “Sangam Period”. The most famed kingdom called “Pandyas” ruled the city during the third century B.C.
The Pandyas again captured the city and made it to flourish in foreign trade, arts, culture, Tamil literature etc. Madurai was looted by Muslim emperors from Delhi for precious stones, jewels, and rare treasures. Later Nayakars ruled the city from the year 1371, under the control of Vijayanagar empire. In the 17th century, the British took over the city.
Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple:Being a well known landmark, this temple is the central point around which the entire Madurai city was created. This 2000 years old temple occupies an area of 65000 sq m. Various dynasties and powerful kingdoms constantly added to the temple.
The sanctum sanctorum enshrines idols of “Sundareswara” (Lord Shiva) and his consort “Meenakshi” (Goddess Parvathi). Tourists can access the temple from four main gateways. Its paintings, structures and striking “Ayiramkaal Mandapam” (Hall of a thousand pillars) astonish the visitors. Tourists should not miss tapping the row of stone musical pillars which give out the seven different musical notes.
Thirumalai Nayakar’s Palace:
This awesome palace is just 1.5 km away from the Meenakshi temple. Thirumalai Nayakar, the famous Nayakar ruler built it in the year 1636. Its stucco worked dome, impressive arches, 20 m high white pillars (circumference of 4 m) etc., enthrall the visitors. The Indo-Saracenic styled “Sorgavilasam”, standing without the support of even a single rafter or grider is marvelous.
The credit goes to Lord Napier (Governor of Madras) for renovating the palace in later years. Visitors can watch the sound and light shows conducted here every day in English and Tamil.
Thirupparamkundram Temple:
Located eight km to the south of Madurai Railway Junction this temple enshrines Lord Subramanyan (Son of Lord Shiva). The temple is one of the six abodes to Lord Subramanyan. The sanctum sanctorum has been carved out of solid rock.
Alagar Temple:
The temple dedicated to Alagar (Lord Vishnu) is perched atop the Solaimalai hill. Situated amidst green surroundings, the temple is worth visiting. The temple is 21 km to the east of Madurai.
Gandhi Museum:
This museum is located in the palace of Rani Mangammal. It houses several pictures of the freedom struggle, Gandhian movement and khadi industries. There is also a south Indian handicrafts section.
Mariamman Teppakulam:This beautiful square shaped tank is located near the Meenakshi temple in Madurai and was built by the ruler Thirumalai Nayakar. Near this tank there is a temple which houses a village deity named “Mariamman”.
Madurai has its own airport and railhead. The city is also well connected with major parts of India by roads.
History:
The city derived its name from the word “Madhurapuri” (means “nectar showered upon the city as blessings of Lord Shiva). Its history is significant and dates back to a period of pre-Christian era, called “Sangam Period”. The most famed kingdom called “Pandyas” ruled the city during the third century B.C.
The Pandyas again captured the city and made it to flourish in foreign trade, arts, culture, Tamil literature etc. Madurai was looted by Muslim emperors from Delhi for precious stones, jewels, and rare treasures. Later Nayakars ruled the city from the year 1371, under the control of Vijayanagar empire. In the 17th century, the British took over the city.
Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple:Being a well known landmark, this temple is the central point around which the entire Madurai city was created. This 2000 years old temple occupies an area of 65000 sq m. Various dynasties and powerful kingdoms constantly added to the temple.
The sanctum sanctorum enshrines idols of “Sundareswara” (Lord Shiva) and his consort “Meenakshi” (Goddess Parvathi). Tourists can access the temple from four main gateways. Its paintings, structures and striking “Ayiramkaal Mandapam” (Hall of a thousand pillars) astonish the visitors. Tourists should not miss tapping the row of stone musical pillars which give out the seven different musical notes.
Thirumalai Nayakar’s Palace:
This awesome palace is just 1.5 km away from the Meenakshi temple. Thirumalai Nayakar, the famous Nayakar ruler built it in the year 1636. Its stucco worked dome, impressive arches, 20 m high white pillars (circumference of 4 m) etc., enthrall the visitors. The Indo-Saracenic styled “Sorgavilasam”, standing without the support of even a single rafter or grider is marvelous.
The credit goes to Lord Napier (Governor of Madras) for renovating the palace in later years. Visitors can watch the sound and light shows conducted here every day in English and Tamil.
Thirupparamkundram Temple:
Located eight km to the south of Madurai Railway Junction this temple enshrines Lord Subramanyan (Son of Lord Shiva). The temple is one of the six abodes to Lord Subramanyan. The sanctum sanctorum has been carved out of solid rock.
Alagar Temple:
The temple dedicated to Alagar (Lord Vishnu) is perched atop the Solaimalai hill. Situated amidst green surroundings, the temple is worth visiting. The temple is 21 km to the east of Madurai.
Gandhi Museum:
This museum is located in the palace of Rani Mangammal. It houses several pictures of the freedom struggle, Gandhian movement and khadi industries. There is also a south Indian handicrafts section.
Mariamman Teppakulam:This beautiful square shaped tank is located near the Meenakshi temple in Madurai and was built by the ruler Thirumalai Nayakar. Near this tank there is a temple which houses a village deity named “Mariamman”.
Madurai has its own airport and railhead. The city is also well connected with major parts of India by roads.
